La Edad Media en España. 𝕷𝖔𝖘 𝖛𝖎𝖘𝖎𝖌𝖔𝖉𝖔𝖘, 𝕬𝖑-𝕬𝖓𝖉𝖆𝖑𝖚𝖘, 𝕷𝖆 𝖗𝖊𝖈𝖔𝖓𝖖𝖚𝖎𝖘𝖙𝖆. para alumnos de primaria.

The Middle Ages in the Iberian Peninsula

Overview of the Middle Ages

• The fall of the Eastern Roman Empire in 476 marks the beginning of the Middle Ages, lasting until the late 15th century with significant events like Columbus's discovery of America in 1492 and the fall of Constantinople in 1453.

Division of the Middle Ages

• The Middle Ages are divided into two distinct periods: High Middle Ages and Low Middle Ages. During the High Middle Ages, society was organized around feudalism, characterized by lords, vassals, and a majority of peasants engaged in agriculture.

Social Structure

• Society consisted mainly of three groups:

• Peasants who worked on land.

• Clergy (priests and religious figures).

• Nobility led by a king at the top. This structure defined feudalism during this period.

Visigothic Rule

• After Rome's fall, the Visigoths established their kingdom with Toledo as its capital. They adopted Latin as their language and Christianity as their religion while maintaining Roman laws. Key figures include:

• Leovigildo: Unified Iberia.

• Recaredo: Converted to Christianity.

• Recesvinto: Codified laws for all regions.

Muslim Conquest and Al-Andalus

• In 711, an army from North Africa invaded through Gibraltar, leading to Muslim control over most of Iberia known as Al-Andalus. Islam spread rapidly under Muhammad’s teachings; its sacred text is the Quran, worshipped in mosques. This era saw significant cultural advancements in science and literature influenced by Arabic traditions.

Cultural Contributions

• Al-Andalus became a major cultural center during medieval times:

• Notable advancements were made in medicine, astronomy, mathematics.

• Introduction of Arabic numerals to Europe.

• Architectural features included horseshoe arches and fortified castles like Alcázar alongside bustling markets (zocos) surrounded by protective walls.

Political Changes within Al-Andalus

• Between years:

• 711–756: Dependent Emirate under Córdoba.

• 750–929: Independent Emirate following new caliphate establishment in Baghdad.

• 929–1031: Caliphate period under Abd al-Rahman III marked cultural flourishing before fragmentation into Taifas due to internal conflicts around 1031.

Reconquista Begins

• From 718, Christian forces began reclaiming territories from Muslims culminating with Granada's capture in 1492, marking an end to Muslim rule after centuries of coexistence among Christians, Jews, and Muslims during this turbulent period known as Reconquista which lasted until then. Don Pelayo led early resistance at Covadonga against Muslim advances starting this movement towards reconquest.

Formation of New Kingdoms

• As territories were reclaimed:

• Nobles fled north forming Asturias under Don Pelayo which evolved into León then Castile after unification with León around 1230 creating Crown of Castile.

• In northern regions emerged Navarra; further south Catalan counties united with Mallorca & Valencia formed Crown of Aragon leading to marriage between Isabel (Castile) & Fernando (Aragon), uniting major kingdoms known as Catholic Monarchs around 1469.

Artistic Developments

• Two main artistic styles emerged during this time:

• Romanesque art characterized by small rural churches with limited light using rounded arches.

• Gothic art represented larger structures emphasizing height and light through pointed arches and stained glass windows reflecting evolving architectural trends throughout these periods up until late medieval times around 1500 when these styles flourished significantly across Europe including Spain’s burgeoning cities post-Reconquista era.